CKYO 2026-2027 JAZZ
AUDITION VIDEO RECORDING INSTRUCTIONS
VIDEO RECORDING INSTRUCTIONS
The video performance is trying to replicate the in-person audition experience as much as possible. Each video should be one long, continuous take (i.e. you should not edit together each part of the audition with breaks and stops throughout; however you may practice making several long videos of your audition and submit the best one).
MAKING YOUR VIDEO -
Your video must be made in one take and unedited. Your audition should be played straight through to replicate an in-person audition experience. Taking brief pauses between each section, is perfectly fine! And understanding that the entire audition will NOT be perfect is important. Submit your best audition, but don't only strive for a "perfect" audition video - there is NO such thing.
Smartphones generally make the best audition videos! Make sure you are recording in LANDSCAPE (horizontal <--------------> layout)
You can make your video wherever you’d like, but consider playing in a larger space that sounds good to you and be sure that your face, hands and instrument are visible. Make sure your music stand is not covering you and that judges can see your fingering, bowing, posture, etc.
For more tips on how to submit a great video audition, click HERE.
1. If you do not have one, create a YouTube account using the YouTube app (you’ll need a Google account first) or visit the site. Directions on how to create an account.
2. If possible, have someone help record your audition. Make sure you are clearly visible and the stand is not in front of you. The video must clearly show the musician’s face, hands, and instrument. Instructions on how to upload your video on various devices
3. We recommend you copy/download this TEMPLATE and enter in your information then print it and keep on your stand throughout your recording so you remember all parts of the audition and the order in which they should happen (Intro, Excerpts, Scales, Solo):
STEP 1 - Introduction:
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SAY: “My name is {First Name Last Name} and I play {Instrument}."
STEP 2 - SOLO:
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SAY: The name and composer of your SOLO and then play your solo (if you are playing to a backing track, you are welcome to take the time in the video to start the track after announcing.)
STEP 3 - Scales or Drumset Time :
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All instruments EXCEPT Drumset, PLAY your 12 keys of major scales and a chromatic scale through your range.
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DRUMSET: PLAY play 16 measures of time in each of the following styles: 1) 4/4 medium swing (quarter note=144), 2) 4/4 last swing (quarter note=220 or above), 3) bossa nova (any tempo), 4) samba (any tempo), 5) any rock or funk feel.
STEP 4 - IMPROV:
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PLAY: Start the Bb Backing TRACK which is available HERE. Play along for three or four choruses (no need to play the whole thing.)
Perform your WHOLE audition in ONE take - no editing together of several videos is allowed and may disqualify your audition. We are trying to replicate an in-person audition so, take your time between sections and breathe. You can always restart something in your video - remember that just because it is video, it is not meant to be a PERFECT performance.
4. Once you’ve recorded your video (or selected the recorded video you want to submit), label/name the video like this:
Student Name (First and last)_Instrument Name
5. You will also have to change the video's privacy settings from “Public” to “Unlisted,” on YouTube which is done in the field below where you renamed it. You will want to have your privacy settings of your video set as “Unlisted,” not “Private” or "Public.” In this way, CKYO will be able to share the link with the judges reviewing players of your instrument. Only our audition team team with this “Unlisted” link will be able to access your audition, it will not pop up when people search on YouTube. Help on changing your video's privacy settings.
6. When your video is uploaded and you have your link (please watch it before submitting to make sure it is the video you want to submit and it works all the way through), complete the form below to submit your Audition video and information. The form is also LINKED HERE.